The project of the day was to get the dishwasher installed. It was not as easy as it should have been and I am super grateful Sean, the rent a husband, came to do it. I took three trips to Home Depot all together. The last only for a larger hose clamp. I did Flex tape the connection and put a container under the drain to give it a trial run tonight. It is very quiet even with one side basically exposed. It is so exciting to finally have all the appliances in place! Thank you Sean!
I had bought some bacon wrapped pork loins which Sean cooked up on the BBQ and then we watched Chronicles of Narnia. I enjoyed it. Aslan was amazing. When I got home Missy meowed until i let her out. I am now awaiting her return so I can go to bed. Unfortunately our ABC Zoom was bumped to next weekend but it is something to look forward to. I hope to install the bi-pass doors tomorrow and get a lot of painting done.
I was at the office when I got the call that my Dishwasher was being delivered. I met the truck at my place and the guys brought it in boxed and all. The apparent lead guy told me to keep the box as it couldn’t be returned without it if there was a problem. I do not believe that. There is no way my warranty would be void without the box. He asked me when I was getting it installed and I said I was doing it tomorrow. At this point he kicked into full on mansplaining that it couldn’t jut be plugged in and I would have to wire it and to be sure I turned off the breaker, etc. I chuckled and replied it was ok that I used to build whole houses, I could manage this. He again reiterated how complicated the job was and pointed out the wiring harness to me. By this point I was losing patience at his rudeness and he tried to tell me he was an electrician and he knew what he was talking about. I stopped myself from asking why an electrician was delivering appliances and he left just as I was about to kick him out. I have absolutely no doubt he would not have said any of this to a man.
Finished a bunch of reports for a client, set up another new one and received an email that I had received platinum status as a Quickbooks Pro Advisor. That’s cool. I had a visitor in my office and instantly fell in love. A perfectly black Shar Pei named Otis. What a stunning dog.
I came home in time to get the cake iced, the gift put together and be at Ken and Ashlée’s for his 40th birthday dinner. We had KFC which I haven’t had in years. It was so good and so was the cake. It was his favourite, yellow cake with chocolate icing. I also brought the good scotch to joy together. We played the game I got him and he seemed happy with his Covid birthday care package.
On my way home I stopped to drop off Rae’s lazy Susan that I borrowed for the cake. Ended up having a distanced visit with her and Roger, and the neighbours, Addison and Vanessa. It was lovely to have a bevie and a visit.
when I had arrived home earlier there was a parcel waiting on my doorstep from my friends in Oregon. what a crazy wonderful surprise. Colleen found some perfect for me items and they were packaged up in the cutest box as well. I must admit it makes me so crazy happy to receive treasures from friends. To know someone is thinking of me makes my heart happy. It has always been the best part of a relationship. Knowing I am someone’s person, that things remind them of me. I am blessed to have an amazing circle in my life that fill that void often filled by just one person. I can’t wait for next year to hang my llama sweater on a coat hanger decoration on the tree.
I had a relaxing day and got a lot done. Nice combo! Had an unexpected zoom meeting with new clients who have started a brewery in Kimberley. Grist and Mash. They are lovely human beings and I look forward to working with them (and trying the beer!) I left work while it was still daylight for the first time in a while. Headed to Safeway for some groceries, stopped at home to put them away, feed Missy and grab what I needed to make a cake for Ken before heading to the Campbells. It has been too long and they were having tacos! That is like catnip to me. I took my pill and enjoyed the meal and then suffered with a little indigestion. All worth it for the numminess and the good company. I made my son-in-law, Ken’s birthday cake for tomorrow. His 40th is today and I Skyped in with his friends for a bit, made the yellow cake he loves and look forward to dinner with him and Ashlée tomorrow. Sean, Diane and I watched Friends With Benefits which I have never seen and it was a light romcom which is exactly what I needed. Funny that we always end up watching something with nudity. When I returned home Missy was sitting up in her newly placed perch. I am glad she likes looking out the window
Saw a couple interesting things at Safeway. Is caggabe good for you?
I want to share a post I wrote after my excitement about buying these shoes
I awoke in a sweat having had a naughty dream about my garbage man! I am quite sure it was because Right before I fell asleep I made a mental note to remember to put out the garbage in the morning. was fun though.
I was pleasantly surprised when my previous boss referred me to one of her clients to assist a new business owner with her software. It seems they don’t have anyone at the firm who knows QuickBooks. That is sad. However, I was happy she sent the work my way. When I heard from the woman, I was pleased. She was nice and smart and easy to communicate with. I had trouble getting access to her file online but told her I would try again. After our call I decided to finish the set up of a file for another firm client. Yesterday I had migrated his data from desktop to online but I still need to check the payroll and taxes. For the first time ever there was a glitch and I could not set up the sales tax. At 3 pm i decided to call Qb and get answers to both problems. The first one was solved in first 15 minutes. Nearly two and half hours later the second problem was still not solved and I had to upload the original file to the support team so they can deal with it. The problem is it may take a few days. It is hard with tech issues when self employed, there is no one to bill the time to.
At 7 I joined in on a google meet with the production team for the upcoming CCT production of The Shape of a Girl. It was nice to see their faces and plan together. It sounds like it is going to be very good.
Came home and made a late diner again. Fish burger and tater tots. Probably not the best before bed but so delicious. Made one for tomorrow’s lunch. My new stove is very cool
AND my dishwasher is being delivered on Friday!!!!
I didn’t make it far in my day before there was a post in the Facebook group for Fluevogs lovers. It was a picture of the shoes I wanted that were on sale and a person asking how they fit. I took it as a sign and promptly ordered them. If they are all I hope I think I will sell my boots. They are unavailable and very desired apparently. I love having things to look forward to.
I got the report from the ENT specialist and it started out very sweet. “I saw Marnée, a pleasant 57 year old..” I wonder if he sees unpleasant ones?
It was a very long day with much accomplished. I ended it with a zoom meeting for the Board of the Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society. I am their new Treasurer. It is an interesting bunch of characters. I look forward to working with them.
The temperature is up to plus two and the fresh snow I awoke to is melting and crashing off the roof making me jump. I am still getting Christmas cards in the mail, making me smile.
I have a problem hiding my feelings some times, well maybe often. I have always admired those people who never show their annoyance, or maybe who just don’t get annoyed. I was frustrated by interruptions and assumptions that I had time for others today. Many are polite and considerate of my time, others assume if they have my number they can text or call and take up my time. I know, I am tracking and billing but I have much to accomplish this month and it can be hard for me to concentrate and I worry that I will make mistakes. People want to be trained when I only have time to fix their issues. It is not my emergency but sometimes I am left feeling that it is. Because I was caught up in so much today, I didn’t respond well to my friends and their issues. One is ill but I have little left in me by the days end, especially when putting on my Treasurer/Tech Hat when I get home as well. I want to be there for all my friends as they often are for me but my inflammation is really acting up, telling me to be careful, that I am stressed. A client let me know they forgot to tell me about a raise after I had carefully calculated the new rates for this calendar year and ran the payroll, another forgot I needed to upload his software before he ran the first payroll of the year, yet another has access issues to the government so I need to be their person and file things I have not prepared so I must be sure there is a clear paper trail. I am the CYA (over your ass) Queen. And it is only Monday..
I also went to physio again which stressed me as I had experienced the odd episode last time I was there. It went well, he was surprised at how amazing my balance is even with my eyes closed which is odd given my vertigo. It does seem the maneuver worked on my right ear so that is good and next week he will work on my neck.
My place is tidier and mostly functional at the moment so I seem to have lost momentum on the renovation but I will get back to it. For now.. sleep and recovery is the game at hand.
I also finally caved and shoe shopped because I really wanted Fluevogs but didn’t love the color options of the Dr Henrys that were available. After surfing many shops for a few hours I settled on three pairs for all different occasions that cost less than one pair of Fluevogs.
I am now writing my 299th blog in a row. That may be more than anything else I have ever done every day in my life. One of these days I will read through them from start to finish. I will have to refrain from editing. I know my spelling and grammar goes downhill when I am tired or upset. Today was another day of tasks between movies. At 1, Roger and Gene picked me up and all masked up we drove to Meadowbrook, the other side of Kimberley to my Aunts to pick up a cabinet she had given me when I had my house back in 2017. Before I could arrange picking it up I sold my house and it didn’t fit any where after that. I was surfing Wayfair looking for something to hold my glasses when I remembered it. It needs some love but I can make it work and it is a good size for what I wanted.
It was nice to catch up with Gene and Roger a bit and we stopped at Home Depot so I could pick up a board for the back of the dresser as well as some sealer for the top of the island. Roger took the other counter’s top to get it cut to size for me and not long after Lukas & Rae delivered it back. She had some awesome stools i could have had for the island but they were too tall and big unfortunately. I rearranged the front window to put Missy’s perch there but she is sure about the whole thing. She will probably appreciate it while I am at work though.
Today’s movies: Monkey Beach – just wow, I found it moving and lovely and thought provoking. And it made me miss the Central Coast of BC. Next upon Roger’s recommendation I watched the first two John Wick movies. I am not sure I will watch the next two. Very violent and if I am turning away more than I am watching.. The last one this evening was Underwater and I can’t say I recommend it. The Abyss was far better. A blond crew cut Kristen French running around in her underwear may be the draw for some.
What a curiously relaxing and productive day. I slept in, intermittently worked around the house and watched Movies. It was really quite lovely.
The first project I finished was building my island. I finished assembling the dresser and then set the top on but the instructions for the butcher block top say I need linseed oil. I should have read it sooner . I headed out to Home Depot just after 5 but decided to put away the yard inflatables and didn’t keep track of time. Suddenly it was ten to 6 and I wouldn’t make it before they closed. Roger said I may need to research a good safe oil for a countertop. I am s happy with my choice, just have to find something to finish the back side as it is made to be against a wall.
I took the time to look up the places for sale in our park. The double wide across the street is up for sale and I would like to get my hands on it and renovate it. Problem is I will never get permission to rent mine or it after my adventures with the strata council. I did learn something interesting though. Apparently because we own our own property and pay strata fees, when the realtor lists it is called a condominium. So weird. I guess now I don’t have to say I live in a mobile or modular home..
I took down and packed away all my Christmas decor, all that is left is on the roadside and I will deal with that tomorrow. It feels so big in here with the tree boxed up. Missy is super friendly and touchy today. She even lets me pet and snuggle her. I enjoyed being a loner today.
Did some tech work as well, turning shows on DVD to mp4 for streaming. Thank God for Google when software doesn’t do what you need. I did a couple work arounds until it was what the streaming company needed.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was interesting but surprisingly unTarantino until the end. It as a great walk down memory lane though. 1917 was powerful and gave quite the perspective on what we rarely see in the movies, behind enemy lines. Bombshell is quite the look at when the camera stops rolling on female news anchors. Stellar cast!
Having bowel problems? I have a sure cure.. take a gentle natural laxative before bed. Be sure you have a webex meeting with a bank manager and a client the next morning.. cue the rumbling half way through.. hope that your sweating and squirming does not read on camera… Now you are guaranteed to have a crappy day.. in a good way!
I received a call from my Quickbooks account manager and it was all cheerful inquiries into how great our holidays went when he mentioned the wonderful trip he and his fiancé had to Vancouver Island. ‘It’s so much nicer on the West Coast than in Ontario’ he exclaimed. I sat silent for a moment processing how to respond. ‘ I think we should move on from this topic’, said I, ‘I didn’t even get to spend time with my grandkids across town let alone travel across the country’. He seemed oblivious.
I am still shaking my head and am at a loss how someone living in one of the most hard hit provinces thought that was a good idea.
I stopped to have a doorstep visit at my daughters to show off my new hair. As I was about to drive away I saw Ashlée and Sawyer returning from their walk with Obie. Sawyer was very emotional about his desire to hug me and we elbow bumped, air hugged and blew kisses. Gene is now way taller than Rae at 13 and a half. Lukas and Will are maturing into pre-teens and Emmy, well I just miss our weekly Thursday nights together, full stop.
I know you have all been awaiting a Throbby Bobby update. Well, it is amazing to me that after 3 months he is still holding on to his nail and I even had to clip it. The only discomfort lately was the nail catching as it was too long. I feel like it grew but all reports say no it will not regenerate, so it must be being pushed out by the new one
I was very productive today in spite of the fact that i left the office just before 12:30 in order to go to a hair appointment for the first time since I had the right side shaved in February. It has now grown out and my grey new growth was over 2 inches so it was time to make magic and transition to my real colour. Karissa is amazing and we talked through what I was hoping for before she took it to the next level. 3 hours later, I was thrilled!! I had decided finally to own the Crone when I saw my hair coming in sparkly rather than dull salt and pepper. Several times in my 40s and 50s I have tried to go natural to no avail. I was also stunned to find out my crazy hairdresser is 21 weeks pregnant with twins. Apparently my daughters who know her well forgot to mention that. She cracked my up, straddling her stool. I can not begin to explain the incredible pleasure of being spoiled for that period of time and to come out feeling beautiful.
I asked Diane if they would like to have perogi night as it was Ukrainian Christmas and I am a quarter Ukrainian. she was excited to and to have a visit. I brought Cheese and scour cream and we ended up having a fun meal and two good games of crib after. It was also fun to watch a one heart wonder show as we played and Try to guess the songs. I left to come home as we were all getting tired. Diane is off work with a pulled tendon and I hope she heals soon.
When I popped in to feed Missy before dinner I found a parcel in the mailbox from the Hearndons. It was exceptionally packaged and there are markers inserted on pages I believe I am to take reference of. I look forward to reading it. The art and style of it are gorgeous.
I received an email as an owner in the strata that it is imperative that people go to the AGM and sign up to be on the council. Apparently it will cost stupid money to hire a company to look after the strata. It is a shame that the person who bullied me off the board is now begging for people to come onboard. On the plus side my property value went up. I bought in 2018 so I have good equity now and this doesn’t even count my renovations.
When I got back from Campbells I suddenly had a blurry line across my vision. I am going to choose migraine out of the possible reasons and take my self to bed. Perchance to sleep, perchance to poop again.
I awoke from another shockingly good sleep to Missy relaxing and being cute. I have a lot of gratitude that she stays at my feet
I couldn’t resist leaving a note for Matt in the fresh falling snow, hope it was still there when he arrived. I was sad to learn after the end of March they will be retiring the small truck in favour of bins. I suggested he approach our strata board about getting one here. I will have to look at options or impose on someone with a truck after that.
This afternoon my friend, Stacey brought me home made stew and cheese biscuits! So nice and thoughtful. It was a productive day and I was thrilled to get an email that my Wayfair order had arrived early. Sean and Zoë met me at my place and he brought it in off the porch. I insisted I could do it as it was only just over 100 pounds but he brought it in anyway. It’s funny as it came with a lovely letter about my family. I ordered a black solid dresser with 3 drawers and a cupboard to use as an island. I have already purchased the grey butcher block top to go on it. I managed to get the cabinet built and had to take a break for some stew and some news from the US.
Today was scary, the Trump supporters stormed the Capital in DC. It is unfathomable that this is going on, like something out of a futuristic movie about surviving the uprising. I think we should keep our borders closed. Once again there was a mass gathering and many were not wearing masks. I hope all surfaces were cleaned before they let the senators back in. There were pictures of disrespect in individual offices and in The House.
92 year old Auntie Ollie was flown to Kelowna, tests were done and it was determined surgery is too high risk so they are sending her back. She is to be on medication and not do stairs anymore which will be a challenge as she lives in the top floor of her two story house. I am so sad for her as she is very independent.
The Clarkes were my extended family growing up in Queensborough. I must have been around 10 when they moved to the Neighbourhood. Lynda and Kevin became my little sister and brother and our families spent a great deal of time together. Mrs C passed a few years back and this week we got the news that Mr C at 85 is coming to the end of his journey. It is so hard not to be there, not to be able to hug my ‘siblings’ and give them love. Murray Clarke helped me to find love in photography, to see and appreciate the world through a lens. He led a good life and experienced great love from his family, and friends. That is as it should be. I pray his transition is easy.
Had a chat with my Mom who spoke with him and we were moaning about the horror of what is happening down south. He was very cheeky and would appreciate our banter. I told her I learned once again to be careful what I ask for. I didn’t want to be alone for New Year’s and I most definitely was not. I welcomed it in with a lovely nurse. I had my nails done fancy on Christmas Eve and commented that it was a shame no one was going to see them. Who knew that that was very wrong. Every nurse, lab tech , Dr and specialist commented on them. Life is funny like that.
I don’t think I will finish the dresser tonight, pretty tired and none of my shows are on as the special reports out of the states have preempted. My tree is still up and all my yard decor but that is ok too. A little merriment does a soul good.
I had a really good sleep again with Missy at my feet. I was very discombobulated though to the point that I even forgot to bring a mask with me. There wasn’t one in my jacket or my car and I hadn’t grabbed a purse. Fortunately there are some at the office. I just got myself organized and plodded along with my work. There were many email and issues to catch up on and I tried to pace myself and not stress. I had a cottage cheese breakfast and yesterday’s leftovers for lunch and then I started to get heartburn. I drank so much water and only two cup of coffee so I am not sure what caused it. I have always been very controlled when it comes to the release of gas in any form so the necessity to not only do so but try to do so… is challenging. I feel more comfortable at home where I can do what is necessary. Of course I realize that the measure of things still functioning is a release in any way.
A client messaged she was making stew and could she bring me some tomorrow along with cheese biscuits. How sweet! I know what I am having for dinner tomorrow. I still am doing ok talking with clients but am otherwise still peopled out. Not depressed just low on energy and I use up bursts of it when on the phone. I stayed late to finish off some things and came home to make panko chicken nuggets in the air fryer and couscous in the microwave. Added cucumber and tomato and a bit of feta for a delicious meal but am really struggling with heartburn. I have half left for lunch tomorrow but I find myself far too aware of everything gastro now. I guess I really do fear further problems. I wish they knew why the ileus happened so I could just avoid that.
Auntie Ollie has to be flown out to hospital in Kelowna where they take care of the heart patients. She’s to have surgery and it is super risky in her condition and at her age. There is worry in the family for her life. I feel sad for my cousins.
I left this too late, I am exhausted. My alarm awoke me from a deep sleep, Missy curled at my feet. That is new… I was a little slow getting ready and I had a physio appointment at 11 for the Chrystals in my ears. The ENT felt strongly this was the source of my vertigo. I didn’t make time to eat or even have a coffee. That was a mistake. I stopped at the office to pick up the cheque book for the theatre as it was across the street from the physio office and I needed to take care of some treasurer business. This is the first time I have seen Mark Johnson and he comes highly recommended. I see why, he was very kind and thorough. He heard all the symptoms and my history and then began to test for the problem. After working on one side he said we would leave the rest to the next appointment. I stood up and walked to where my sweater and vest were. I had put on sweater and was reaching for the vest when I had the sensation of the blood draining out of me and I was falling forward. I tried to grab the chair and managed only to jamb my thumb on the arm, my right arm flailing in space as I was muttering oh no, oh no. I had the fear i was going to continue summersaulting forward and would have if I hadn’t been able to grab the table at the same time as he was rushing to catch me. We got me seated as the feeling of pins and needles overwhelmed my whole body. Then the emotions hit from the Adrenalin rush and Mark was so kind. He gave me Kleenex, brought me water in two cups, apologizing that there were only little ones, and talk me back to calm as we discussed what had happened. I was glad he saw it as this is the 3rd similar incident since June 2017. The worst was at MusicFest that year when they took me out in an ambulance thinking I had had a stroke. We now have something else to deal with and figure out. I do feel in good hands as once I was able I left to go across the street to the theatre. Mark offered to walk me over but I said I felt steady enough. he told me not to overdo anything for the rest of the day, to eat and drink and see if I felt better and should it happen again to go to the hospital. He actually suggested I go there right away but I feel it would have landed me back on IV. I want to eat and maintain better. He called me after his next appointment to make sure I was ok. I had had a few candy at the theatre and calmed down before I got back in the car. I was left feeling exhausted and emotional. One more thing to deal with. I went to Home Depot to deal with my doors to find they weren’t meant to arrive painted but they shouldn’t have a patch so I emailed a picture as asked. I also went to the mall to find another water bottle and a calendar. I then did a couple errands and came home to make a healthy dinner and relax. I answered a few email and texts and am completely peopled out…
I am concerned about my 93(?) year old Auntie Ollie who was brought in from Meadowbrook, the other side of Kimberley, by ambulance. It seems she had a small heart attack and has fluid on her lungs but is resting comfortably. A shame that I am not there still as I may have been allowed to visit her. I did pop up to the hospital as one of my errands to drop off a get well card for Patricia. I hope she gets her surgery and home again to her husband in Elkford soon.
I had a long talk with Rae-Anne this evening to discover she had been having the same type episodes occasionally since she was 16. This is a new piece of the puzzle which I can’t wait to share when I see Mark next Monday.
Slept better last night just not long enough. Frittered the day away with shower, walks, Dr talks etc. Dr. S said he felt there was nothing more they could do, that if I had solid meals and felt good I could go at 6pm or stay another night. Dr C agreed and said it was up to me and should I experience any vomiting or other severe symptoms once home, to come back. I also got her to look at the mole on my back that feels odd and she took pictures to send to my Dr. agreeing it looked like it needed a biopsy. Might as well get everything taken care of at once. After overhearing the Drs, the lady across the way with a severe form of what I have choked up a bit and wished I was going to be there to see how she did with her surgery tomorrow. I must take a get well card and drop it for her. She was very nice after being so cranky the first day I was there. I think she was sad and lonely and she thanked me for helping her get through this. I tell you, I could never do what those nurses do. Angels is an understatement. No one can possibly go into that field unless they are real caring humans. Lunch arrived, my first full meal since last Wednesday and of all things it was fish and chips. That is not a food I expect to see in a hospital and it lived up to my low expectations. I was hungry and wanted to be sure I wouldn’t get sick if I ate so I did. Brett, the IT guy at the GroundFloor took a good chunk of his Sunday to get a laptop ready to remote and dropped off it and paperwork from my office for me to the front desk and I was so grateful. He even left a lovely message for when I logged on. I got a payroll prepped and ready for review. Sent it off to the client in Victoria awaiting approval to upload for payments and the internet disconnected. I couldn’t get signed back on and that combined with what I ‘d had for lunch convinced me it was time to get dressed and pack up. I did and then put the call to the nurse that I would be ready at her convenience to leave. It was over an hour later when she came with the paperwork and right then dinner arrived. I thought if it looked good I wouldn’t waste it. She saw it at the same time and we both thought it was the worst thing for intestinal issues. Rice, cauliflower and what I read to find out was turkey. That made me even more happy about my decision. I had called Ashlée about a ride and she was a little cagey. I then found out she had let Missy out and she wouldn’t come back. She did find my keys though so that was a positive. Just before she left to get me the cat came back
I had a good reunion with Missy and checked out my new water system as I had forgotten the Culligan Man was at my house when I left for the ER. There is a chrome tap installed until my matte black one comes in to match the taps. I also unpacked the doors for across the area and found them to be unpainted. This is very frustrating as they took 4 months and 3 days to arrive. I took pictures and will go to Home Depot to see if I have any recourse. In the meantime I leaned them in place and I love how they will make everything look so much bigger and cleaner. I didn’t do much message follow up or anything except finished processing the payroll and responded to work email as I have physio in the morning for my vertigo. Can’t miss that.
This liquid diet had me up to head to the loo way too many times in the night, something I am not used to having to do at all. It is also complicated as I have to unplug and drag along my IV pole so there is no leaving it to the last moment. The day time staff came on and were absolutely lovely. I actually choked up listening to Nurse Serena speak with respect and gentleness to the elderly lady across the way who is having a hard time eating, taking meds or getting out of bed. It was such a nice display of kindness, most of the staff here have been that way. We are very lucky at East Kootenay Regional Hospital. I have now had the trifecta of broth and was grateful when the surgeon, Dr Schroeder, came to say we could bump me up to Full Fluids for lunch and see how that effects me. He said we would keep tinkering, lol. I also am to have Potassium as it is dropping for some reason, and something to aid in moving things along. I got to have a shower again and even got new socks. Dr Chesney came to tell me the cyst is a simple common one not to be concerned about. It is 7.5 x 4 x 4.6 centimeters which seems big to me but they are not concerned and say it i not related.
I went for a walk as it is necessary to keep moving around and found a lounge at the end of the hall. Sat there for a bit just for a change. There was a gentleman there who started a conversation about what would we do without technology. It’s so true, I can’t imagine just being here alone without connection. Lunch was so much better, carrot soup, coffee and ice cream! I decided to look up a code I heard and found this list of codes used in BC. Started reading the book Rae gave me for Christmas and am enjoying the various adventures. It is really well done.
I reached out to Diane to see if they could find me a cross-stitch kit to keep my mind occupied as I am starting to be concerned about the work I have to do. I have payroll to do and will never let them be late. they dropped off a lovely gift of colouring books and double ended felts. Seems town is sold out of crafts. I have lots at home, just not organized enough to have someone grab for me. I did finish one and get a good start on a couple others while watching Four Weddings and a Funeral and then the last half of the Canada vs Chek world junior hockey game which we nicely took 3-0 in the quarter finals. Dinner was Asparagus soup which I don’t prefer but was hungry. Not sure why there was a question mark.. Had some progress and then what felt like setbacks this evening. My IV machine also kept resetting itself so had to get swapped out. Hospitals are definitely underfunded. Everything is burgling so I am still awake after midnight but I have a new night shift nurse Heidi and she brought me popsicles!
Nurse Heidi also got permission for me to use a boardroom tomorrow to do the payroll should I not be discharged. I thought to message the IT guy for the Groundfloor Coworking space and he, bless his heart is going to set up a laptop with remote access to my desktop at the office and drop it at the hospital tomorrow. I am so grateful for everyone involved in taking the strain off. And if all else fails, Diane will go sit at my desk and I will FaceTime step by step instructions to get it done.
Now I just need to be sure I am back to ‘normal’ (that may be asking a lot) so I can go home. I did like being told today that I am very zen like. I will take that.
What an odd day. Waking up in a hospital is based on the schedule of the professionals looking after you. In order to get everything necessary done and recorded for the oncoming shift I was awoken around 6 am to have my vitals taken which was followed not long after by the lab tech for blood. The next adventure was a walk down for x-rays being led by a curious older gentleman porter who wore his mask under his nose most of the time. The Surgeon whose name I seem unable to retain came to tell me there was no change so I needed to still stay but he was upping me to clear fluids for lunch. I was thrilled to say the least. After lunch my nurse for the day, Summer brought me a coffee and finally my headache went away. Dr Chesney arrived and was explaining to me that the ultrasound may not happen today and I would have to come back as an outpatient if I were released before it were done. I was honest with her that it was what I am most concerned about, the unknown. Just then Summer came in to tell me they were ready for me at Ultrasound. She sent me walking with a binder and it was so eerie to go through two floors and not see another person. Upon my return the lovely lady next to me with a new hip was released, I will miss her company. I did however take first opportunity to ask summer if I could have an upgrade to her spot by the window. She went off to ask the charge nurse and came back to make the move in time for dinner. Most of the afternoon and night I have been watching a Star Wars Marathon while checking email, texting, Facebooking and playing crib online with Mark and the Diane. He kicked my butt and I kicked hers. Poor Ashlée has misplaced the key to my house and mailbox which were on my Wookiee keychain! I had to tell her how to break in so she could get my watch charger and feed Missy. Poor cat must wonder why she’s been abandoned.
The outpouring of love and support has been amazing. I have had messages from 4 continents! What a blessing.
I remember the last two New Year’s Eves as I had so much fun bar tending at Key City Theatre for their opening night gala. Sweet memories…
Last night I went to bed and immediately broke out in chills. I was shivering so hard I couldn’t even bear to get up and get another blanket. Wasn’t long before I was up vomiting and needing to have. A bowel movement. This went on most of the night with tossing sleep in between. Come morning I was barely functional. Tried to have water and it made me nauseated so I talked to Rae and she convinced me to phone the clinic. They were full up and agreed I should go to the hospital. The Culligan man, Daniel was at my place proceeding with the installation of my softener and drinking water system. I was on the couch moaning when I started reaching out for a ride to the Hospital. That was complicated by who coud bring me in their vehicle. Ashlée left work to drop me there and we rode masked and with all the windows open just in case.
It didn’t take too long before I was in a bed with an IV of anti-nauseate meds. I had bloodwork, urine, x-rays and a CT scan. Eventually it all came back that I have and Illeus, a portion of my bowel that is paralyzed. The Dr doesn’t understand how it could have happened. I do like baffling professionals. He said I would hav to be admitted and be on IV saline, not eat or drink anything and they would rerun the tests in the morning.
The second Dr who came in was a surgeon although he quickly clarified that I don’t need surgery he wanted to let me know more about it. The only thing that causes it that could relate is dehydration. I know I fall in and out of the habit of drinking water. He spent an inordinate amount of time asking family history as well.
The third Dr was the one who is covering for my family one. Dr MacGyver is very kind and took time to explain things but it got super uncomfortable when he had to ask me the level of care questions. What would be my ultimate, for example intubation and electrical shock or just intubation, feeding tube or not, etc. I used to have a DNR but this was much more complicated and I barely had time to process. All I could see was my grandkids faces as he was talking and I just said do whatever is necessary at the time. I will have to revisit the options. They were also all very interested in what other abdominal surgery I have had. Seems they think they saw a cyst or something as well in the X-ray and want to do an ultrasound tomorrow. That was all a bit much.
Ashlée and Ken went to my place and fed Missy, gathered my CPAP machine, iPad and a few toiletries. Rae-Anne lent a coloring book and earbuds. I was very grateful for it all. I watched 54-40 New Years and felt happy seeing friends doing what they do best. I miss Matt, the drummer. I first met him when our kids were at the same day care 25 or so years ago on Salt Spring Island. Jake and I would joke whenever we would see Matt’s name come up on call display ‘oh excuse me I have to take this it’s the drummer from 54-40 calling.
I have tried to make the best of this by being open on Facebook to a degree and enjoying all the comments. I doubt I will make it to midnight as I had so little sleep last night. The staff here at East Kootenay Regional Hospital are really lovely. I even have a free TV thanks to Covid. It was already here and I get to use it. Don’t really love my party dress though
My friend Mark is quite the punster and enjoyed my predicament immensely. He sent me many options for my blog title tonight. I almost used our favourite Happy Poo Year!!
It was not the day I expected but it wasn’t the year we all expected either. Things could be worse, that is a guarantee. I am in good hands but I sure am hungry.
My guts are broiling. I don’t know why. I had pizza from Panago and it is my usual order twice a month or so but tonight it really left me feeling ill. I had to come home so I could take a pill and put on my jammies. I am sure it is just indigestion but it is intense.
This morning i got up in time to get a few things cleared out of the way for Justin, the plumber. He arrived early and together we got the plumbing installed for the water conditioner coming tomorrow. He also connected the water to the fridge for the ice maker and offered to come back when the dishwasher arrives if I need him to. He grew up in Cranbrook and is 34 so between Rae-Anne and Ashlée in age. We were trying to figure out if he knew them when he said “that’s amazing”. I asked what was and he said I didn’t look old enough. I kind of needed that as I am growing out my grey and currently feeling every minute of my age.
I headed into the office for a bit before Sean was available to bring me in his truck to get my other countertops and shelves. Went back to the office and started working on a file that was last done by Jackie. The first envelope I began working on had a sticky note written by her on it. I was moved. I am keeping it. (Recap: she was my closest human as well as the accountant who finessed my skills and in the spring of 2019 she had a brain aneurysm and is in a long term care home)
I also have to say I was relieved when earlier in the day the wife of my upset friend from yesterday texted to say she saw the text and I wasn’t to worry. Everything would be ok and they love me. That is a big sigh.
The Culligan man comes in the morning and I am looking forward to the last day of the year.
Ashlée did a fabulous job of the Greater Guedes Family Santa picture.
Today’s productivity was overshadowed by care for a client. I have known him for decades and twice in as many months he has said if his business stuff doesn’t get sorted out he will kill himself. I always respond and feel like I have talked him down but it is a big weight. I know that when I was closest to those feelings I could not speak the words. I hope that it is a flippant way of stating how much it is stressing him out. I am doing what I know how to do best and that is be there to listen, offer options and take the stress away by getting him caught up. I do have a pretty good sense of things and don’t feel it is an actual threat to his life, should that change, I will reach out to his wife and go from there. But for today, it haunts me.
I meant to get a lot done at the house today but I didn’t. I am strongly ok with that. Been binging ‘a million little things’. It has strong subject matter and I am liking the way it is handling the topics of depression and addiction and adults making mistakes. The plumber is coming in the morning so I should go to bed to get up early and clean or do it now which I definitely so not feel like.
triumphgal 